Fire Department Press Release – 202 Larkspur St 07-02-2026

San Rafael Fire Department - PRESS RELEASE

Abraham Roman, Fire Chief

• Incident Commander: Anthony Alviso, Battalion Chief.
• Date of Incident: July 2, 2026. Time of Dispatch: 6:13 p.m.
• Location of Incident: 202 Larkspur St, San Rafael, CA.
• Type of Incident: Structure fire.
• Occupancy Type: Single family townhouse in a 34-unit complex.
• Damage Estimate: Not determined at this time.
• Mutual Aid: Central Marin Fire Department & Kentfield Fire District.
• Resources Assigned: 3 chief officers, 4 engines, 2 ladder trucks, 1 paramedic ambulance, 1 fire investigator, San Rafael Police, PG&E, and the American Red Cross.

Firefighters responded to a reported structure fire at a two-story, attached townhouse at approximately 6:13 p.m. this evening. Upon arrival, crews located a fire in the upstairs rear bedroom of Unit 202. Firefighters quickly and aggressively fought the blaze, preventing it from spreading to other portions of the home or to neighboring residences. It took approximately 20 minutes to bring the fire under control and ensure it had not spread to other portions of the structure.

The townhome was occupied by five adults and one child, although not all occupants were home at the time of the fire. Those who were inside safely evacuated without injury. Although the fire was confined to the rear bedroom, the remainder of the unit sustained smoke, heat, and water damage. Although there are no apparent structural integrity concerns, the fire-damaged unit has been posted off limits and is currently uninhabitable.

Firefighters conducted an aggressive property conservation effort and assisted the residents in collecting personal belongings. Adjacent units experienced only minor impacts. Unit 200 sustained no damage, and its occupants were permitted to return home.

Unit 204 received minor damage after firefighters opened an interior wall to check for hidden fire extension. That unit remains habitable, and its occupants were also allowed to return.

The American Red Cross was requested to assist the displaced residents and arrived at approximately 7:30 p.m. to provide emergency assistance.

Several individuals in the surrounding area reported hearing explosions coming from the townhouse during the incident. However, the occupants who were inside Unit 202 did not report hearing any explosions. During overhaul operations, firefighters did not locate any evidence of lithium-ion batteries or other materials that would explain the reported sounds.

Based on the preliminary investigation, the fire appears to have originated in the closet of the upstairs rear bedroom. The cause of the fire remains under investigation but is deemed to be accidental.

PIO Contact:

Robert Sinnott, Deputy Fire Chief-Deputy Fire Marshal

415-485-5067 (desk)

[email protected]

Fire Department Press Release - 202 Larkspur St 07-02-26